I think by now we’ve all seen the Hyundai Genesis commercials,exclaiming how its optional Lexicon 14–speaker surroundsystem is only available on the Genesis and the RollsRoyce Phantom. The narrator then shocks the viewer withthe juxtaposition of their prices: the Genesis starts at $32,250and the Phantom at a retirement–wrecking $340,000.
Another commercial also touts the acceleration of theGenesis,telling ushow it hasa faster 0to 60 than the sporty Porsche Boxster. At a mere $32,500, theGenesis is indeed a welcome addition to the field of luxuryvehicles. What it lacks in the luster of a European brandname,the Genesis makes up for with jaw–dropping luxurycombined with an impossibly low price.
The Genesis offers two choices of engine, one a 3.8 literV6 with 290 horsepower, and the other a 4.6 liter V8 with 368horsepower. It’s the V8, however, that’s been beating comparablevehicles more than twice as expensive as the Hyundai.
“Well,” you might say, “it’s just not a BMW or a Mercedes.”That’s true. But think if it were: an identical vehicle fromMercedes or BMW would cost twice as much, only becauseof the branding. Is a label worth $30,000 to you? In today’sfinancial crisis, consumers and analysts alike are becomingaware of ourfrivolousconsumerspendingand lending. Perhaps the Genesis is a step in the right direction,towards function rather than flash, substance ratherthan status.
If you want all the features, function and amenities, inaddition to almost $70,000 in savings, then the Genesis is abeautiful, luxurious, pavement–pounder of an option.
